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Sean Tierney is a Director of Research and Policy at the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP).

Prior to joining IHEP, Sean was an Associate Commissioner at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education where he oversaw the postsecondary portion of Indiana’s state longitudinal data system, managed a research portfolio focused on student access and outcomes, and helped create, implement, and assess statewide policies and programs. Previously, Sean held roles at Lumina Foundation, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Sean earned a B.A. with majors in economics, English, and sociology and an M.P.P. with a higher education concentration, both from Vanderbilt University. Sean is motivated by the belief that higher education is one of the best ways to advance our nation’s promise of opportunity – but that greater transparency, high-quality research, and policy reforms are needed to ensure those opportunities are available to all. In his spare time, Sean enjoys running, hiking, and home renovation projects.